U.S. patent number 11,211,743 [Application Number 16/822,489] was granted by the patent office on 2021-12-28 for receptacle module and receptacle cage for a communication system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TE CONNECTIVITY SERVICES GmbH. The grantee listed for this patent is TE Connectivity Services GmbH. Invention is credited to Lucas Arthur Benson, Eric David Briant, Dean Marlin Harmon, III, Randall Robert Henry, Michael John Phillips, Christopher David Ritter.
United States Patent |
11,211,743 |
Briant , et al. |
December 28, 2021 |
Receptacle module and receptacle cage for a communication
system
Abstract
A communication system includes a plug module having a plug
housing and a plug latch and a receptacle module having a
receptacle housing and a receptacle latch. The receptacle module
includes a receptacle connector with a card slot receiving a plug
module circuit board. The receptacle connector includes cables
terminated to contacts and extending from the receptacle connector.
A receptacle cage includes a front cage interface receiving the
plug module and a rear cage interface receiving the receptacle
module. The front cage interface matches the rear cage interface
including a front latching feature and a rear latching feature
interfacing with the plug and receptacle latches.
Inventors: |
Briant; Eric David (Dillsburg,
PA), Harmon, III; Dean Marlin (Etters, PA), Henry;
Randall Robert (Lebanon, PA), Phillips; Michael John
(Camp Hill, PA), Ritter; Christopher David (Hummelstown,
PA), Benson; Lucas Arthur (Camp Hill, PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TE Connectivity Services GmbH |
Schaffhausen |
N/A |
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
TE CONNECTIVITY SERVICES GmbH
(Schaffhausen, CH)
|
Family
ID: |
1000006019817 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/822,489 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2020 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210296818 A1 |
Sep 23, 2021 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
13/6335 (20130101); H01R 13/6591 (20130101); H01R
13/6691 (20130101); H01R 13/6271 (20130101); H01R
2201/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/627 (20060101); H01R 13/66 (20060101); H01R
13/6591 (20110101); H01R 13/633 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;439/607.17-607.21,607.28-607.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Paumen; Gary F
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communication system comprising: a plug module including a
plug housing having conductive plug housing walls defining a plug
module cavity, the plug housing walls including a top wall, a
bottom wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall,
the plug module including a plug latch coupled to the plug housing,
the plug latch including a plug latching feature and a plug release
tab, the plug module including a plug module circuit board held by
the plug housing in the plug module cavity, the plug module circuit
board having a mating edge, the plug module including cables
terminated to the plug module circuit board; a receptacle module
including a receptacle housing having conductive receptacle housing
walls defining a receptacle module cavity, the receptacle housing
walls including a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls between the
top wall and the bottom wall, the receptacle module including a
receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing, the receptacle
latch including a receptacle latching feature and a receptacle
release tab, the receptacle module including a receptacle connector
received in the receptacle housing, the receptacle connector
including a receptacle connector housing extending forward of the
receptacle housing, the receptacle connector housing manufactured
from a dielectric material, the receptacle connector housing having
a card slot at a front of the receptacle connector housing
receiving the mating edge of the plug module circuit board to
electrically connect the plug module to the receptacle module, the
receptacle connector including contacts held by the receptacle
connector housing configured to be mated with the plug module
circuit board, the receptacle connector including cables terminated
to the contacts and extending rearward from the receptacle
connector and the receptacle housing; and a receptacle cage having
cage walls defining a module channel, the module channel extending
between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage, the cage
walls including a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls extending
between the top wall and the bottom wall, the receptacle cage
having a front cage interface receiving the plug module at the
front end and the receptacle cage having a rear cage interface
receiving the receptacle module at the rear end, the front cage
interface matching the rear cage interface, the receptacle cage
including a front latching feature interfacing with the plug latch
for latchably securing the plug module in the receptacle cage, the
receptacle cage including a rear latching feature interfacing with
the receptacle latch for latchably securing the receptacle module
in the receptacle cage.
2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the front cage
interface is defined by the top wall, the bottom wall and the
sidewalls of the receptacle cage, the front cage interface having a
front port at the front end open to the module channel, the front
cage interface including the front latching feature, and wherein
the rear cage interface is defined by the top wall, the bottom wall
and the sidewalls of the receptacle cage, the rear cage interface
having a rear port at the rear end open to the module channel, the
rear cage interface including the rear latching feature.
3. The communication system of claim 2, wherein a size and a shape
of the front cage interface is identical to a size and a shape of
the rear cage interface.
4. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle
housing includes a receptacle mating interface defined by the top
wall, the bottom wall, and the sidewalls of the receptacle housing,
and wherein the plug housing includes a plug mating interface
defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, and the sidewalls of the
plug housing, the receptacle mating interface matching the plug
mating interface.
5. The communication system of claim 4, wherein the receptacle
mating interface includes the receptacle latching feature and the
plug mating interface includes the plug latching feature.
6. The communication system of claim 4, wherein a size and a shape
of the receptacle mating interface is identical to a size and a
shape of the plug mating interface.
7. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle cage
includes a cage mounting tab extending from at least one of the
cage walls for mounting the receptacle cage to a support
structure.
8. The communication system of claim 7, wherein the support
structure is a host circuit board, the cage mounting tab including
a press-fit pin configured to be press fit into a via of the host
circuit board to secure the receptacle cage to the host circuit
board.
9. The communication system of claim 7, wherein the support
structure is a panel, the cage mounting tab being secured directly
to the panel.
10. The communication system of claim 9, wherein the panel includes
an opening, the panel being oriented perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the module channel, the receptacle cage
extending into the panel such that the front end of the receptacle
cage is flush with or forward of a front surface of the panel and
the rear end of the receptacle cage is flush with or rearward of a
rear surface of the panel, the cage mounting tab being secured to
at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the
panel.
11. The communication system of claim 9, wherein the panel extends
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the module channel, the cage
mounting tab extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
module channel along the panel.
12. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the plug latching
feature engages a front cage latching feature of the receptacle
cage from inside the receptacle cage to secure the plug housing in
the receptacle cage and wherein the receptacle latching feature
engages a rear cage latching feature of the receptacle cage from
inside the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle housing in the
receptacle cage.
13. The communication system of claim 1, further comprising a front
EMI gasket proximate to the front end of the receptacle cage and a
rear EMI gasket proximate to a rear end of the receptacle cage, the
front EMI gasket extending between and engaging both the cage walls
of the receptacle cage and the plug housing, the rear EMI gasket
extending between and engaging both the cage walls of the
receptacle cage and the receptacle housing.
14. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the rear EMI
gasket is coupled to the receptacle housing and plugged into the
module channel with the receptacle module to engage the receptacle
cage.
15. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the module channel
has a channel envelope defined by the top wall, the bottom wall,
and the side walls, the plug module housing and the receptacle
module housing fitting within the channel envelope, wherein the
receptacle cage further comprises a second module channel
configured to receive a second plug module and a second receptacle
module.
16. The communication system of claim 15, wherein the module
channel and the second module channel are stacked vertically.
17. The communication system of claim 15, wherein the module
channel and the second module channel are stacked horizontally
being separated by only a single piece of sheet metal.
18. A communication system comprising: a plug module including a
plug housing having conductive plug housing walls defining a plug
module cavity, the plug housing walls including a top wall, a
bottom wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall,
the plug module including a plug latch coupled to the plug housing,
the plug module including a plug module circuit board held by the
plug housing in the plug module cavity, the plug module circuit
board having a mating edge; a receptacle module including a
receptacle housing having conductive receptacle housing walls
defining a receptacle module cavity, the receptacle housing walls
including a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls between the top
wall and the bottom wall, the receptacle module including a
receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing, the receptacle
module including a receptacle connector received in the receptacle
housing, the receptacle connector including a receptacle connector
housing extending forward of the receptacle housing, the receptacle
connector housing manufactured from a dielectric material, the
receptacle connector housing having a card slot at a front of the
receptacle connector housing receiving the mating edge of the plug
module circuit board to electrically connect the plug module to the
receptacle module, the receptacle connector including contacts held
by the receptacle connector housing configured to be mated with the
plug module circuit board, the receptacle connector including
cables terminated to the contacts and extending rearward from the
receptacle connector and the receptacle housing; and a receptacle
cage having cage walls defining a module channel, the module
channel extending between a front end and a rear end of the
receptacle cage, the cage walls including a top wall, a bottom
wall, and sidewalls extending between the top wall and the bottom
wall, the top wall, the bottom wall and the sidewalls being
continuous between the front end and the rear end to enclose the
module channel between the front end and the rear end, the
receptacle cage receiving the plug module at the front end and
receiving the receptacle module at the rear end, the receptacle
cage having a cage mounting tab extending from at least one of the
cage walls for mounting the receptacle cage to a support
structure.
19. The communication system of claim 18, wherein the support
structure is a panel, the panel including an opening, the panel
being oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the module
channel, the receptacle cage extending into the panel such that the
front end of the receptacle cage is flush with or forward of a
front surface of the panel and the rear end of the receptacle cage
is flush with or rearward of a rear surface of the panel, the cage
mounting tab being secured to at least one of the front surface or
the rear surface of the panel such that the receptacle cage is
supported by the panel independent of other supporting
structures.
20. The communication system of claim 18, wherein the module
channel has a channel envelope defined by the top wall, the bottom
wall, and the side walls, the plug module housing and the
receptacle module housing fitting within the channel envelope,
wherein the receptacle cage further comprises a second module
channel configured to receive a second plug module and a second
receptacle module, the module channel and the second module channel
being either stacked vertically or stacked horizontally.
21. A receptacle module configured to be plugged into a receptacle
cage of a receptacle assembly for mating with a plug module plugged
into the receptacle cage, the receptacle module comprising: a
receptacle housing having conductive housing walls defining a
receptacle module cavity, the housing walls including a top wall, a
bottom wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall;
a receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing, the
receptacle latch including a receptacle latching feature configured
to engage a cage latching feature of the receptacle cage from
inside the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle housing in the
receptacle cage, the receptacle latch including a release tab to
release the receptacle latching feature from the cage latching
feature; and a receptacle connector received in the receptacle
housing, the receptacle connector including a receptacle connector
housing extending forward of the receptacle housing, the receptacle
connector housing manufactured from a dielectric material, the
receptacle connector housing having a card slot at a front of the
receptacle connector housing configured to receive a plug module
circuit board of the plug module, the receptacle connector
including contacts held by the receptacle connector housing
configured to be mated with the plug module circuit board, the
receptacle connector including cables terminated to the contacts
and extending rearward from the receptacle connector and the
receptacle housing.
22. The receptacle module of claim 21, wherein the receptacle
housing is narrower than the receptacle cage such that the
receptacle housing does not extend any wider than sidewalls of the
receptacle cage.
23. The receptacle module of claim 21, further comprising an EMI
gasket coupled to the receptacle housing and plugged into the
receptacle cage with the receptacle housing to engage the
receptacle cage.
24. The receptacle module of claim 21, wherein the receptacle
latching feature is located along at least one of the sidewalls or
the bottom wall of the receptacle housing remote from the top wall
of the receptacle housing.
25. A receptacle cage for mating a plug module and a receptacle
module, the receptacle cage comprising: cage walls defining a
module channel, the module channel extending between a front end
and a rear end of the receptacle cage, the cage walls including a
top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls extending between the top
wall and the bottom wall, the top wall, the bottom wall and the
sidewalls being continuous between the front end and the rear end
to enclose the module channel between the front end and the rear
end; a front cage interface defined by the top wall, the bottom
wall and the side walls, the front cage interface having a front
port at the front end open to the module channel, the front cage
interface including a front latching feature; a rear cage interface
defined by the top wall, the bottom wall and the side walls, the
rear cage interface having a rear port at the rear end open to the
module channel, the rear cage interface including a rear latching
feature; wherein a size and a shape of the front cage interface is
identical to a size and a shape of the rear cage interface; and
wherein the front cage interface matches the rear cage interface
such that the front cage interface is configured to receive either
of the plug module or the receptacle module with the front latching
feature securing the plug module or the receptacle module in the
module channel, wherein the rear cage interface is configured to
receive the other of the plug module or the receptacle module with
the rear latching feature securing the plug module or the
receptacle module in the module channel.
26. The receptacle cage of claim 25, further comprising a cage
mounting tab extending from at least one of the cage walls for
mounting the receptacle cage to a support structure.
27. The receptacle cage of claim 25, wherein the front latching
feature is a deflectable latch extending into the module channel
and wherein latching feature is a deflectable latch extending into
the module channel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter herein relates generally to communication
systems.
Some communication systems utilize transceivers or plug modules as
I/O modules for data communication. The plug module is pluggably
received in a receptacle cage of a receptacle assembly to
interconnect the plug module with another component, such as a host
circuit board through a communication connector mounted to the host
circuit board. Due to the high speed of data transmission and the
length of the traces on the host circuit board between the
communication connector and other components mounted to the host
circuit board, some known communication systems bypass data
transmission on the host circuit board using a cable receptacle
connector. The cable receptacle connector may be received in the
rear end of the receptacle cage and the plug module is mated
directly to the cable receptacle connector. However, the cable
receptacle connector tends to be bulky and require mounting
features for mounting the cable receptacle connector to the
receptacle cage. The mounting features widen the connector
interface and occupy space adjacent the receptacle cage, which
increases the footprints of the receptacle cages and the cable
receptacle connectors on the host circuit board and limits the
number of receptacle cages and cable receptacle connectors that may
fit within a particular area.
A need remains for a communication system having a reduced
footprint for mating pluggable modules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, a communication system is provided. The
communication system includes a plug module having a plug housing.
The plug housing has conductive plug housing walls defining a plug
module cavity. The plug housing walls include a top wall, a bottom
wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall. The
plug module includes a plug latch coupled to the plug housing. The
plug latch includes a plug latching feature and a plug release tab.
The plug module includes a plug module circuit board held by the
plug housing in the plug module cavity. The plug module circuit
board has a mating edge. The plug module includes cables terminated
to the plug module circuit board. The communication system includes
a receptacle module including a receptacle housing having
conductive receptacle housing walls defining a receptacle module
cavity. The receptacle housing walls include a top wall, a bottom
wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall. The
receptacle module includes a receptacle latch coupled to the
receptacle housing. The receptacle latch includes a receptacle
latching feature and a receptacle release tab. The receptacle
module includes a receptacle connector received in the receptacle
housing. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector
housing extending forward of the receptacle housing. The receptacle
connector housing is manufactured from a dielectric material. The
receptacle connector housing has a card slot at a front of the
receptacle connector housing receiving the mating edge of the plug
module circuit board to electrically connect the plug module to the
receptacle module. The receptacle connector includes contacts held
by the receptacle connector housing configured to be mated with the
plug module circuit board. The receptacle connector includes cables
terminated to the contacts and extends rearward from the receptacle
connector and the receptacle housing. The communication system
includes a receptacle cage having cage walls defining a module
channel. The module channel extends between a front end and a rear
end of the receptacle cage. The cage walls include a top wall, a
bottom wall, and sidewalls extending between the top wall and the
bottom wall. The receptacle cage has a front cage interface
receiving the plug module at the front end and the receptacle cage
has a rear cage interface receiving the receptacle module at the
rear end. The front cage interface matches the rear cage interface.
The receptacle cage includes a front latching feature interfacing
with the plug latch for latchably securing the plug module in the
receptacle cage. The receptacle cage includes a rear latching
feature interfacing with the receptacle latch for latchably
securing the receptacle module in the receptacle cage.
In a further embodiment, a communication system is provided. The
communication system includes a plug module including a plug
housing having conductive plug housing walls defining a plug module
cavity. The plug housing walls include a top wall, a bottom wall
and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall. The plug
module includes a plug latch coupled to the plug housing. The plug
module includes a plug module circuit board held by the plug
housing in the plug module cavity. The plug module circuit board
has a mating edge. The communication system includes a receptacle
module including a receptacle housing having conductive receptacle
housing walls defining a receptacle module cavity. The receptacle
housing walls include a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls
between the top wall and the bottom wall. The receptacle module
includes a receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing. The
receptacle module includes a receptacle connector received in the
receptacle housing. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle
connector housing extending forward of the receptacle housing. The
receptacle connector housing is manufactured from a dielectric
material. The receptacle connector housing has a card slot at a
front of the receptacle connector housing receiving the mating edge
of the plug module circuit board to electrically connect the plug
module to the receptacle module. The receptacle connector includes
contacts held by the receptacle connector housing configured to be
mated with the plug module circuit board. The receptacle connector
includes cables terminated to the contacts and extends rearward
from the receptacle connector and the receptacle housing. The
communication system includes a receptacle cage having cage walls
defining a module channel. The module channel extends between a
front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The cage walls
includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls extending between
the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall and
the sidewalls are continuous between the front end and the rear end
to enclose the module channel between the front end and the rear
end. The receptacle cage receives the plug module at the front end
and receives the receptacle module at the rear end. The receptacle
cage has a cage mounting tab extending from at least one of the
cage walls for mounting the receptacle cage to a support
structure.
In another embodiment, a receptacle module is provided. The
receptacle module is configured to be plugged into a receptacle
cage of receptacle assembly for mating with a plug module plugged
into the receptacle cage. The receptacle module includes a
receptacle housing having conductive housing walls defining a
receptacle module cavity. The housing walls includes a top wall, a
bottom wall and sidewalls between the top wall and the bottom wall.
A receptacle latch is coupled to the receptacle housing. The
receptacle latch includes a receptacle latching feature configured
to engage a cage latching feature of the receptacle cage from
inside the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle housing in the
receptacle cage. The receptacle latch includes a release tab to
release the receptacle latching feature from the cage latching
feature. A receptacle connector is received in the receptacle
housing. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector
housing extending forward of the receptacle housing. The receptacle
connector housing is manufactured from a dielectric material. The
receptacle connector housing has a card slot at a front of the
receptacle connector housing configured to receive a plug module
circuit board of the plug module. The receptacle connector includes
contacts held by the receptacle connector housing configured to be
mated with the plug module circuit board. The receptacle connector
includes cables terminated to the contacts and extends rearward
from the receptacle connector and the receptacle housing.
In a further embodiment, a receptacle cage for mating a plug module
and a receptacle module is provided. The receptacle cage includes
cage walls defining a module channel. The module channel extends
between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The cage
walls includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls extending
between the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom
wall and the sidewalls are continuous between the front end and the
rear end to enclose the module channel between the front end and
the rear end. A front cage interface is defined by the top wall,
the bottom wall and the side walls. The front cage interface has a
front port at the front end open to the module channel. The front
cage interface includes a front latching feature. A rear cage
interface is defined by the top wall, the bottom wall and the side
walls. The rear cage interface has a rear port at the rear end open
to the module channel. The rear cage interface includes a rear
latching feature. The front cage interface matches the rear cage
interface such that the front cage interface is configured to
receive either of the plug module or the receptacle module with the
front latching feature securing the plug module or the receptacle
module in the module channel. The rear cage interface is configured
to receive the other of the plug module or the receptacle module
with the rear latching feature securing the plug module or the
receptacle module in the module channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a communication system formed
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded, front perspective view of the communication
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the communication
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the communication system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plug module in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the receptacle module in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a rear, exploded view of the receptacle module in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the communication system formed
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exploded, front perspective view of the communication
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the communication
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the communication system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a communication system 100
formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is an
exploded, front perspective view of the communication system 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded,
rear perspective view of the communication system 100 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
The communication system 100 includes a receptacle connector
assembly 102 and one or more plug modules 200 configured to be
electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 102.
The receptacle connector assembly 102 includes one or more
receptacle modules 300 configured to be electrically connected to
corresponding plug modules 200. In an exemplary embodiment, each
plug module 200 is electrically connected to one or more cables 202
and each receptacle module 300 is electrically connected to one or
more cables 302. The plug module 200 is pluggably coupled to the
corresponding receptacle module 300 at a separable mating
interface.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102
is mounted to a support structure 104. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the support structure 104 may include a
circuit board 106. The receptacle connector assembly 102 is mounted
to the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, neither the
plug module 200 nor the receptacle module 300 is electrically
connected to the circuit board 106. Rather, the plug module 200 and
the receptacle module 300 are electrically connected to other
electrical components via the cables 202, 302 rather than through
traces on the circuit board 106. The circuit board 106 may provide
a ground reference for the receptacle connector assembly 102.
In an exemplary embodiment, the support structure 104 may
additionally, or alternatively, include a panel 108. The panel 108
may be a rack panel in a server in various embodiments. In other
various embodiments, the panel 108 may include a cabinet or chassis
of an electrical device, such as a computer. The panel 108 may be
another type of support structure in alternative embodiments. The
panel 108 may be a metal plate or sheet in various embodiments. In
an exemplary embodiment, the panel 108 is oriented perpendicular to
the mating direction of the modules 200, 300. The panel 108
includes a panel opening 110 therethrough. The panel opening 110 is
open between a front surface 112 and a rear surface of the panel
108. A portion of the receptacle connector assembly 102 extends
through the panel opening 110 such that a front of the receptacle
connector assembly 102 is flush with or forward of the front
surface 112 and a rear of the receptacle connector assembly 102 is
flush with or rearward of the rear surface 114. The receptacle
connector assembly 102 may be mounted directly to the panel 108,
such as to the rear surface 114 and/or the front surface 112. The
panel 108 may have other orientations in alternative embodiments,
such as being parallel to the mating direction of the modules 200,
300. A side of the receptacle connector assembly 102 may be coupled
to the panel 108 in such orientation. In various embodiments, the
receptacle connector assembly 102 may be free standing from the
panel 108 (for example, mounted to the panel 108) without the
circuit board 106.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102
includes a receptacle cage 120. The receptacle module 300 is
configured to be loaded into a rear of the receptacle cage 120. The
plug module 200 is configured to be loaded into a front of the
receptacle cage 120. The plug module 200 is mated to the receptacle
module 300 inside the receptacle cage 120. In various embodiments,
the receptacle cage 120 is enclosed and provides electrical
shielding for the receptacle module 300 and the plug module 200.
The receptacle cage 120 provides shielding for the receptacle
module 300 and the plug module 200.
The receptacle cage 120 includes a plurality of cage walls 124 that
define a cavity 126. The cavity 126 may be subdivided by
corresponding cage walls 124 to form one or more module channels
128 for receipt of corresponding plug modules 200 and receptacle
modules 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 126 is
divided into two module channels 128, however, additional cage
walls 124 may be provided to form a cavity 126 divided into more
module channels, such as four module channels 128 or more. The cage
walls 124 may be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls to
allow airflow therethrough, or walls with cutouts, such as for a
heat transfer device such as a heatsink, heat spreader, cold plate,
and the like to pass therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment,
the cage walls 124 are stamped and formed walls defining shielding
walls.
In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 120 includes
multiple module channels 128 for receiving multiple plug modules
200 and receptacle modules 300. The module channels 128 are stacked
vertically to define an upper module channel 128 and a lower module
channel 128. The module channels 128 may be stacked side-by-side in
alternative embodiments. The receptacle cage 120 includes front
ports open at the front of the receptacle cage 120 to receive the
plug modules 200 and rear ports open at the rear of the receptacle
cage 120 to receive the receptacle modules 300. Any number of
module channels 128 may be provided in various embodiments. For
example, the receptacle cage 120 may include both ganged and
stacked module channels 128 (for example, 2.times.2, 3.times.2,
4.times.2, 4.times.3, etc.). In other various embodiments, rather
than being a ganged or stacked cage member, the receptacle cage 120
may include a single module channel 128.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cage walls 124 of the receptacle
cage 120 include a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side
wall 134, and a second side wall 136 for each module channel 128.
Such cage walls 124 may define a top wall, a bottom wall, a first
side wall, and a second side wall of the receptacle cage 120 when
such walls 130, 132, 134, 136 are the outer or exterior walls. The
bottom wall 132 may rest on the circuit board 106 when the circuit
board 106 is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the cage walls
124 include cage mounting tabs 138 for mounting the receptacle cage
120 to the circuit board 106. For example, the cage mounting tabs
138 may be press-fit pins configured to be press-fit into vias in
the circuit board 106. Other types of cage mounting tabs 138 may be
used in alternative embodiments. For example, the cage mounting
tabs 138 may be coupled to the panel 108. However, in alternative
embodiments, the receptacle cage 120 may stand alone separate from
any circuit board, such as being mounted to the panel 108 without
any circuit board 106 present.
The receptacle cage 120 extends between a front end 140 and a rear
end 142. Front ports 144 are provided at the front end 140
providing access to the corresponding module channels 128 for the
plug modules 200. Rear ports 146 are provided at the rear end 142
providing access to the corresponding module channels 128 for the
receptacle modules 300. Some of the cage walls 124 may be interior
cage walls that separate or divide the cavity 126 into the various
module channels 128. For example, the cage walls 124 may include a
divider 148 separating the module channels 128 (for example, a
horizontal divider or a vertical divider). The divider 148 may
define the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the first side wall
134, or the second side wall 136 of one or more of the module
channels 128.
The walls 130, 132, 134, 136 form rectangular shaped module
channels 128 in an exemplary embodiment extending along a
longitudinal axis. The module channels 128 may extend the entire
length between the front end 140 and the rear end 142. The
receptacle cage 120 includes a front cage interface 150 at the
front end 140 and a rear cage interface 152 at the rear end 142.
The front cage interface 150 interfaces with the plug module 200.
The rear cage interface 152 interfaces with the receptacle module
300. The front cage interface 150 is defined by an interior surface
of the receptacle cage 120. The rear cage interface 152 is defined
by an interior surface of the receptacle cage 120. In an exemplary
embodiment, the front cage interface 150 is defined as the front
quartile of the receptacle cage 120, including all features of the
receptacle cage 120 interfacing with the plug module 200 and the
rear cage interface 152 is defined as the rear quartile of the
receptacle cage 120, including all features of the receptacle cage
120 interfacing with the receptacle module 300.
The front cage interface 150 is defined by the top wall 130, the
bottom wall 132, the first side wall 134, and the second side wall
136 at the front end 140. For example, the front cage interface 150
may have a channel envelope (for example, size and shape) defined
by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the first side wall 134,
and the second side wall 136 at the front end 140. The rear cage
interface 152 is defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132,
the first side wall 134, and the second side wall 136 at the rear
end 142. For example, the rear cage interface 152 may have a
channel envelope (for example, size and shape) defined by the top
wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the first side wall 134, and the
second side wall 136 at the rear end 142. In an exemplary
embodiment, the front cage interface 150 matches the rear cage
interface 152. For example, the front cage interface 150 is
identical to the rear cage interface 150. The front cage interface
150 may have the same size and the same shape as the rear cage
interface 150. As such, either the plug module 200 or the rear
module 300 may be plugged into and interface with the front cage
interface 150 and such that either the plug module 200 or the rear
module 300 may be plugged into and interface with the rear cage
interface 152.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 120 includes a
front latching feature 160 (FIG. 2) for each module channel 128 and
a rear latching feature 162 (FIG. 3) for each module channel 128.
The front latching feature 160 is provided proximate to the front
end 140. The rear latching feature 162 is provided proximate to the
rear end 142. The front latching feature 160 forms part of the
front cage interface 150 configured to interface with the plug
module 200. The rear latching feature 162 forms part of the rear
cage interface 152 configured to interface with the receptacle
module 300. The front latching feature 160 is used to secure the
plug module 200 in the module channel 128. The front latching
feature 160 is accessible and engaged by the plug module 200 from
inside the module channel 128. The rear latching feature 162 is
used to secure the receptacle module 300 in the module channel 128.
The rear latching feature 162 is accessible and engaged by the
receptacle module 300 from inside the module channel 128. The front
latching feature 160 may be identical to the rear latching feature
162.
In various embodiments, the latching features 160, 162 are
deflectable latches 164 having openings 166. The deflectable
latches 164 may extend from one or more of the cage walls 124. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the latching features 160,
162 extend from the bottom walls 132 below each of the module
channels 128 to engage the bottoms of the plug module 200 and the
receptacle module 300, respectively. The latching features 160, 162
may extend from other cage walls 124, such as the sidewalls 134,
136 or the top walls 130. The latching features 160, 162 may be
released, such as by pulling on release tabs of the modules 200,
300 to release the latches 164 from the modules 200, 300. In other
various embodiments, the latching features 160, 162 may be openings
in the cage walls 124 configured to receive deflectable latches of
the modules 200, 300. For example, hook ends of latches of the
modules 200, 300 may be received in openings in the bottom wall 132
defining the latching features 160, 162.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 120 includes a
front EMI gasket 170 providing EMI shielding at the front end 140
and a rear EMI gasket 172 providing EMI shielding at the rear end
142. The front EMI gasket 170 provides EMI shielding between the
cage walls 124 and the plug module 200. The module channel 128 is
enclosed by the front and rear EMI gaskets 170, 172 at the front
and rear ends 140, 142 to prevent EMI leakage along the cage walls
124 or along the modules 200, 300.
In the illustrated embodiment, the front EMI gasket 170 is coupled
to the plug module 200 and loaded into the module channel 128 with
the plug module 200. The EMI gasket 170 includes gasket fingers 174
deflectable between the exterior surfaces of the plug module 200
and the interior surfaces of the cage walls 124. The gasket fingers
174 may be extend between the plug module 200 and any or all of the
walls 130, 132, 134, 136. In an alternative embodiment, the front
EMI gasket 170 may be coupled to the cage walls 124 and extend
inward into the module channel 128 to engage the plug module 200
when the plug module 200 is plugged into the module channel 128.
For example, the front EMI gasket 170 may be separate and discrete
from the cage walls 124 and clipped onto or soldered to the cage
walls 124. In other various embodiments, the front EMI gasket 170
may be integral with the cage walls 124, such as being stamped and
formed from the cage walls 124.
In the illustrated embodiment, the rear EMI gasket 172 is coupled
to the plug module 200 and loaded into the module channel 128 with
the receptacle module 300. The EMI gasket 172 includes gasket
fingers 176 deflectable between the exterior surfaces of the
receptacle module 300 and the interior surfaces of the cage walls
124. The gasket fingers 176 may be extend between the receptacle
module 300 and any or all of the walls 130, 132, 134, 136. In an
alternative embodiment, the rear EMI gasket 172 may be coupled to
the cage walls 124 and extend inward into the module channel 128 to
engage the receptacle module 300 when the receptacle module 300 is
plugged into the module channel 128. For example, the rear EMI
gasket 172 may be separate and discrete from the cage walls 124 and
clipped onto or soldered to the cage walls 124. In other various
embodiments, the rear EMI gasket 172 may be integral with the cage
walls 124, such as being stamped and formed from the cage walls
124.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the communication system 100
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle cage 120
includes four module channels 128 in the illustrated embodiment in
a two-by-two arrangement. Each module channel 128 is defined by
corresponding top walls 130, bottom walls 132, first sidewalls 134,
and second sidewalls 136. The module channels 128 may share cage
walls 124. For example, a single cage wall 124 may be arranged
between adjacent module channels 128 thus defining a first sidewall
134 for one module channel and a second sidewall 136 for another
module channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the module channels 128
are separated by a single piece of sheet metal. The plug modules
200 and the receptacle modules 300 are narrower than the module
channels 128 such that the plug modules 200 and the receptacle
modules 300 are contained within the channel envelope allowing the
module channels 128 to be tightly arranged for increased overall
density of the communication system. For example, the receptacle
cage 120 may have a small footprint by reducing the spacing between
the module channels 128, such as to a single sheet metal
thickness.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plug module 200 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment. The plug module 200 includes a plug
housing 210 defined by one or more shells, such as an upper shell
212 and a lower shell 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug
housing 210 is manufactured from a conductive material, such as a
metal material. The plug housing 210 provides electrical shielding
for the plug module 200. The plug housing 210 may be thermally
conductive. The plug housing 210 includes a mating end 216 and an
opposite cable end 218. The cable 202 extends from the cable end
218. The mating end 216 is configured to be inserted into the
corresponding module channel 128 (shown in FIG. 2). The cable end
218 is configured to extend from the front end 140 of the
receptacle cage 120 (shown in FIG. 2) when the plug module 200 is
plugged into the receptacle cage 120.
The plug housing 210 includes a top wall 220, a bottom wall 222, a
first side wall 224 extending between the top wall 220 and the
bottom wall 222, and a second side wall 226 extending between the
top wall 220 and the bottom wall 222. The top wall 220 is part of
the upper shell 212 and the bottom wall 222 is part of the lower
shell 214. The first side wall 224 may be defined by the upper
shell 212 and/or the lower shell 214. The second side wall 226 may
be defined by the upper shell 212 and/or the lower shell 214. For
example, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower shells
212, 214 meet at an interface approximate centered along the side
walls 224, 226. The plug housing 210 surrounds a plug module cavity
228. The plug module cavity 228 houses electrical components of the
plug module 200. The cables 202 may extend into the plug module
cavity 228 for termination to the electrical components.
In an exemplary embodiment, the plug module 200 includes a plug
module circuit board 230 in the plug module cavity 228. The plug
module circuit board 230 may be accessible at the mating end 216.
The plug module circuit board 230 is configured to be
communicatively coupled to the receptacle module 300 (shown in FIG.
3). For example, a mating edge 232 of the plug module circuit board
230 may be plugged into the receptacle module 300, such as in a
card slot of the receptacle module 300. The plug module circuit
board 230 includes electrical components used for operating and/or
using the plug module 200. For example, the plug module circuit
board 230 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors,
controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, and the like to form
various circuits.
The plug module 200 includes a plug latch 240 for releasing the
plug module 200 from the receptacle cage 120. The plug latch 240
includes a plug latching feature 242 (shown in phantom) configured
to secure the plug module 200 to the receptacle cage 120. For
example, the plug latching feature 242 is configured to interface
with the front latching feature 160 (shown in FIG. 2) of the
receptacle cage 120. The plug latching feature 242 may be a
latching finger. The plug latching feature 242 may be deflectable
in various embodiments, such as to release from the receptacle cage
120.
In an exemplary embodiment, the plug latch 240 includes a pull tab
244 extending from one or more latch arms 246. The pull tab 244 is
configured to be pulled to release the plug latch 240 from the
receptacle cage 120 and allow removal of the plug module 200 from
the receptacle cage 120. The latch arm 246 may be used to release
the plug latching feature 242 from the front latching feature 160.
For example, the latch arm 246 may actuate the plug latching
feature 242 and/or the front latching feature 160 to deflect such
plug latching feature 242 or the front latching feature 160 and
allow the plug latching feature 242 to release from the front
latching feature 160. The latch arm 246 may slide or rotate to an
actuating position to release the plug latching feature 242 and/or
the front latching feature 160. The latch arm 246 is moved by
pulling on the pull tab 244.
The plug housing 210 includes a plug mating interface 250
configured to interface with the front cage interface 150 (shown in
FIG. 2) of the receptacle cage 120. The plug mating interface 250
is defined by an exterior surface of the plug housing 210. In an
exemplary embodiment, the plug mating interface 250 is defined by
the top wall 220, the bottom wall 222, the first side wall 224, and
the second side wall 226, such as at the mating end 216. The plug
mating interface 250 may be defined along the entire length of the
plug housing 210 that is received in the receptacle cage 120. For
example, the plug mating interface 250 may extend a majority of the
length of the plug housing 210.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the receptacle module 300 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear, exploded
view of the receptacle module 300 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. The receptacle module 300 includes a receptacle housing
310 defined by one or more shells, such as an upper shell 312 and a
lower shell 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle housing
310 is manufactured from a conductive material, such as a metal
material. The receptacle housing 310 provides electrical shielding
for the receptacle module 300. The receptacle housing 310 may be
thermally conductive. The receptacle housing 310 includes a mating
end 316 and an opposite cable end 318. The cable 302 extends from
the cable end 318. The mating end 316 is configured to be inserted
into the corresponding module channel 128 (shown in FIG. 3). The
cable end 318 is configured to extend from the rear end 142 of the
receptacle cage 120 (shown in FIG. 3) when the receptacle module
300 is plugged into the receptacle cage 120.
The receptacle housing 310 includes a top wall 320, a bottom wall
322, a first side wall 324 extending between the top wall 320 and
the bottom wall 322, and a second side wall 326 extending between
the top wall 320 and the bottom wall 322. The top wall 320 is part
of the upper shell 312 and the bottom wall 322 is part of the lower
shell 314. The first side wall 324 may be defined by the upper
shell 312 and/or the lower shell 314. The second side wall 326 may
be defined by the upper shell 312 and/or the lower shell 314. For
example, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower shells
312, 314 meet at an interface approximate centered along the side
walls 324, 326. The receptacle housing 310 surrounds a receptacle
module cavity 328. The receptacle module cavity 328 houses
electrical components of the receptacle module 300. The cables 302
may extend into the receptacle module cavity 328 for termination to
the electrical components.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle module 300 includes a
receptacle connector 330 coupled to the mating end 316 of the
receptacle housing 310. The receptacle connector 330 includes a
receptacle connector housing 332 having a card slot 334 (FIG. 6)
configured to receive the plug module circuit board 230 (shown in
FIG. 5). The receptacle connector 330 includes a contact holder 336
(FIG. 7) and contacts 338 held by the contact holder 336. The
contact holder 336 is manufactured from a dielectric material, such
as plastic material. The contacts 338 may be coupled to an upper
surface and a lower surface of the contact holder 336 to define an
upper contact array for mating with the upper surface of the plug
module circuit board 230 and a lower contact array for mating with
a lower surface of the plug module circuit board 230. Conductors of
the cables 302 may be terminated to the contacts 338, such as being
soldered to the contacts 338. A ground shield 339 may be
electrically connected to cable shields of the cables 302 and
ground contacts of the contacts 338. Mating ends of the contacts
338 are configured to be loaded into the receptacle connector
housing 332 for mating with contact pads at the edge of the plug
module circuit board 230 loaded into the card slot 334.
The receptacle module 300 includes a receptacle latch 340 for
releasing the receptacle module 300 from the receptacle cage 120.
The receptacle latch 340 includes a receptacle latching feature 342
(shown in phantom) configured to secure the receptacle module 300
to the receptacle cage 120. For example, the receptacle latching
feature 342 is configured to interface with the rear latching
feature 162 (shown in FIG. 3) of the receptacle cage 120. The
receptacle latching feature 342 may be a latching finger. The
receptacle latching feature 342 may be deflectable in various
embodiments, such as to release from the receptacle cage 120.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle latch 340 includes a
pull tab 344 extending from one or more latch arms 346. The pull
tab 344 is configured to be pulled to release the receptacle latch
340 from the receptacle cage 120 and allow removal of the
receptacle module 300 from the receptacle cage 120. The latch arm
346 may be used to release the receptacle latching feature 342 from
the rear latching feature 162. For example, the latch arm 346 may
actuate the receptacle latching feature 342 and/or the rear
latching feature 162 to deflect such receptacle latching feature
342 or the rear latching feature 162 and allow the receptacle
latching feature 342 to release from the rear latching feature 162.
The latch arm 346 may slide or rotate to an actuating position to
release the receptacle latching feature 342 and/or the rear
latching feature 162. The latch arm 346 is moved by pulling on the
pull tab 344.
The receptacle housing 310 includes a receptacle mating interface
350 configured to interface with the rear cage interface 152 (shown
in FIG. 3) of the receptacle cage 120. The receptacle mating
interface 350 is defined by an exterior surface of the receptacle
housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle mating
interface 350 is defined by the top wall 320, the bottom wall 322,
the first side wall 324, and the second side wall 326, such as at
the mating end 316. The receptacle mating interface 350 may be
defined along the entire length of the receptacle housing 310 that
is received in the receptacle cage 120. For example, the receptacle
mating interface 350 may extend a majority of the length of the
receptacle housing 310.
Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the plug housing 210 and the receptacle
housing 310 are configured to be plugged into the receptacle cage
120. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle mating interface
350 matches the plug mating interface 250. For example, the
receptacle mating interface 350 may have the same size and shape of
the plug mating interface 250. The upper and lower shells 312, 314
may have the same exterior perimeter dimensions as the upper and
lower shells 212, 214 of the plug housing 210. The front cage
interface 150 matches the rear cage interface 152 such that the
front cage interface 150 is configured to receive either of the
plug module 200 or the receptacle module 300 and the rear cage
interface 152 is configured to receive the other of the plug module
200 or the receptacle module 300.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cage interfaces 150, 152 are
identical and the mating interfaces 250, 350 are identical such
that the plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300 may be
interchangeably received in the receptacle cage 120. Both the plug
module 200 and the receptacle module 300 are configured to fit
within the channel envelope of the module channel 128 of the
receptacle cage 120. The plug module 200 and the receptacle module
300 are configured to interface with the receptacle cage 120 from
within the interior of the receptacle cage 120. The plug latch 240
and the receptacle latch 340 define portions of the mating
interfaces 250, 350, respectively. The plug latch 240 is configured
to interface with the front latching feature 160 from within the
interior of the receptacle cage 120 to secure the plug module 200
in the module channel 128. The receptacle latch 340 is configured
to interface with the rear latching feature 162 from within the
interior of the receptacle cage 120 to secure the receptacle module
300 in the module channel 128.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the communication system 100
formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is an
exploded, front perspective view of the communication system 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded,
rear perspective view of the communication system 100 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle cage 120 includes a
single module channel 128 in the illustrated embodiment that
receives the plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300. The
module channel 128 is defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall
132, the first sidewall 134, and the second sidewall 136, which are
each exterior cage walls 124 of the receptacle cage 120.
The receptacle connector assembly 102 is mounted to the support
structure 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure
104 is the panel 108. The receptacle connector assembly 102 does
not include the circuit board 106 (shown in FIG. 1). The receptacle
connector assembly 102 is mounted directly to the panel 108 and
free standing from the panel 108 separate from any circuit board.
The panel 108 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the module channel 128. The receptacle cage 120 extends through the
panel opening 110. The front end 140 of the receptacle cage 120 may
be flush with or forward of the front surface 112 of the panel 108
and the rear end 142 of the receptacle cage 120 may be flush with
or rearward of the rear surface 114. The receptacle cage 120 may be
mounted directly to the panel 108, such as to the rear surface 114
and/or the front surface 112.
The receptacle cage 120 includes the cage mounting tabs 138 for
mounting the receptacle cage 120 to the panel 108. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the cage mounting tabs 138 include
flanges 139 extending outward from one or more of the cage walls
124. The flanges 139 may be integral with the cage walls 124, such
as being stamped and formed with the cage walls 124. In other
various embodiments, the flanges 139 may be separate and discrete
from the cage walls 124 and coupled to the cage walls 124, such as
by welding or soldering. The cage mounting tabs 138 may be secured
to the panel 108 using fasteners, such as screws. The cage mounting
tabs 138 may be secured to the panel 108 using adhesive, welding,
soldering, latches, a clip or other securing element in alternative
embodiments. Optionally, an EMI shield may be provided between the
cage mounting tabs 138 and the panel 108.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the communication system 100
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated
embodiment, the cage mounting tabs 138 of the receptacle cage 120
extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the module channel 128.
The cage mounting tabs 138 may be provided at the side wall 136,
such as extending from the top and the bottom of the receptacle
cage 120. The cage mounting tabs 138 are used to mount the
receptacle cage 120 to the panel 108, which extends parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the module channel 128. The cage mounting tabs
138 may be secured to the panel 108 using fasteners, such as
screws. The cage mounting tabs 138 may be secured to the panel 108
using adhesive, welding, soldering, latches, a clip or other
securing element in alternative embodiments.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described
embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination
with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of
materials, orientations of the various components, and the number
and positions of the various components described herein are
intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no
means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other
embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing
the above description. The scope of the invention should,
therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims,
along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in
which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective
terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following
claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used
merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the
following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and
are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the
phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of
further structure.
* * * * *